Lead Feature Written by Bill Mantlo. Lead Feature Art by John Byrne; Frank Giacoia; Jose Rosen; Don Warfield; & Jaye Gardner.
Back-Up Feature Written by Barry Dutter. Back-Up Art by Vince Evans; Ariane Lenshoek; & Michael Higgins.
Cover Art by Sam Kieth.
SUMMARY:
Marvel Comics released this 32-page issue for June 1992. January 1977’s Marvel Team-Up # 53 is reprinted, as it’s entitled “Nightmare in New Mexico!” After a deadly nerve gas contaminates a section of the New Mexico desert, the oblivious Hulk comes upon the seemingly deserted town of Liberty. Though puzzled by the odd-smelling purple gas in the air, the Hulk soon faces off vs. a confused Woodgod in battle.
Set immediately after Giant-Size Marvel Team-Up # 1, Spider-Man catches a ride overhead aboard the X-Men’s overloaded shuttle headed due east. In response to an unfriendly, mid-air government intercept in proximity to Liberty, Spider-Man jumps off to probe the Hulk’s involvement.
With a brief lift from the X-Men’s Banshee, Spider-Man arrives in Liberty’s quarantined ‘Dead Zone’ looking for answers. Not only does the mysterious government haz-mat squad give him flack, Spider-Man (conveniently immunized to the irradiated nerve gas) is the odd dude out in the Hulk vs. Woodgod feud. As they now possess maddening red eyes, Hulk & Woodgod redirect their joint hostility towards Spider-Man. The storyline continues into Issue # 263.
In a new adventure entitled “A Case of Sunstroke,” what happened to the X-Men after they dropped off Spider-Man is finally revealed. The team’s overcrowded shuttle contains pilot Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, Jean Grey/Phoenix, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Banshee, and an ailing Professor X. Having raided other recent flyovers, the nefarious Sunstroke, with his team of Desert Dwellers, decides it’s time for another mid-air fun-and-games ambush. Hence, the unsuspecting X-Men’s shuttle is their next hijacking target.
Notes: The original Marvel Team-Up # 53 cover by Dave Cockrum, John Romita, & Danny Crespi isn’t included. Also, the Spider-Man/X-Men crossover in Giant-Size Marvel Team-Up # 1 (aka Marvel Team-Up Annual # 1) was previously reprinted in Marvel Tales # 235-236.
REVIEW:
The Hulk/Woodgod portion is mostly a yawn (as is the cover image). Still, Spider-Man’s presence makes up much of the difference, including a fun sequence hanging out with the X-Men. The art squad led by John Byrne does nice work keeping readers engaged in the story.
Proving even better than the lead feature, the X-Men’s retroactive back-up tale is a welcome treat. With an enjoyable script and terrific visuals, Sunstroke comes off as a worthy-enough adversary to single-handedly engage seven classic X-Men. Still, one should keep in mind some patented X-clichés: i.e. Jean fainting from exerting too much psychic energy, an unconscious Professor X, the ‘fastball special,’ etc. Even if it’s business-as-usual, Marvel Tales # 262’s mix of old and new, offers worthwhile entertainment for Marvel fans of any age.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Appearing in full-page formats, there’s a “Bullpen Bulletins” and a “Marvel Mails” letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
